Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2026
Q & A with Kirsten Colen, a 1984 computer science graduate from Charlottesville, VA:
Why did you choose to attend Westminster?
Going to Westminster College was a natural choice for me. My mother and brother had both attended, and I had visited the campus many times – it just had such a warm, friendly atmosphere that appealed to me. When it came time for me to choose a college, Westminster stood out as the perfect fit.
Were there any Titans who made a particularly meaningful impact on your college experience?
Two professors in particular made a lasting impact during my time there. Dr. Thomas Nealeigh was my advisor and treated me like family, even letting me stay at his home for a few days when I had a summer internship and the dorms were closed for cleaning before the fall semester. Dr. Warren Hickman, a professor I had for several classes, and his wife had me for dinner at his house as well. They went above and beyond to support me, something I imagine would be difficult at a much larger university.
What are your favorite memories from your time in New Wilmington?
I have so many fond memories of Westminster – sliding down the snowy hill on cafeteria trays behind Russell Hall, being on the tennis team and having the guys in Russell Hall cheer us on from their windows, and hanging out with what were to become life-long friends.
How did your experience at Westminster shape your professional journey?
The biggest impact was how my degree from WC shaped my future. I had no idea what computer science entailed when I started, but Westminster instilled a true passion for software development in me. That education set me up for an amazing 40-year career as a software engineer, an unusual path, especially for a woman in that field at that time. The skills and knowledge I gained at Westminster allowed me to keep pace with my colleagues and tackle all kinds of interesting projects over the decades. I truly owe my successful career to the top-notch education I received at that small, close-knit college.
Learn more about sharing your Westminster story in anticipation of Westminster's 175th anniversary in 2027.
